Great news! That cup of coffee you enjoy so much might actually help you lose weight! Not only is coffee low in calories (about 2 calories a cup) but the caffeine in a cup of coffee can boost metabolism, stimulate thermogenesis, suppress your appetite, and give you the energy boost to get more out of your workout. At just 16 cents a cup for home brew that’s one bargain workout-booster! Treating yourself to coffee out will feel like a bargain too when you remember all that your cup of coffee can do.

There are some coffee cautions though. For best results remember to drink even your favorite beans in moderation. Too much caffeine can increase your stress levels and cause you to have trouble sleeping, both of which are counter productive for weight loss and performance. How much is enough? Try shooting for three or four cups of coffee spread throughout your day. Maybe you would benefit from one cup before your morning workout and one before each meal. Experiment to see what works best for you. Also, remember that when it comes to coffee for weight loss – black may be best. Creamer and sugar add extra calories and when you are working to loose weight, every calorie counts! There are some nice alternatives out there if you do want to spice up your morning coffee. Try spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Sugar free syrups can cut the calories and still give a flavor punch. Skim milk or soy milk are popular lower calorie creamer alternatives. Interested in turning your morning coffee into a protein source? I just found out about Ripped Cream, a great new alternative packing 80 calories but also adding 6 grams of protein to your coffee-break. That’s a great protein punch for the calorie trade off. So enjoy your favorite grind or blend your way, knowing it just might help you reach your weight loss goals!